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OSINT TOOLKIT: VesselFinder, A REAL-TIME VESSEL TRACKING TOOL TO SUPPORT MARITIME SECURITY AND INTELLIGENCE

7 minutes ago
6 min read

Sinéad O’Carroll, Cristiana Harless, OSINT-RDT Team

Matlhatse Saadiyah Letsoalo, Editor; Jennifer Loy, Chief Editor

Date of Publication: November 8, 2026

Industry: Maritime Security, Threat Intelligence, Maritime Intelligence


(The Open Source Intelligence [OSINT] Toolkit is a report to help teach about various OSINT tools that can be used by Threat, Security, Intelligence, and Investigative Professionals [TSIIPs]. The data in this report is accurate as of the publication date.)


Maritime Activity Monitoring[1]


What is the BLUF about the OSINT Tool?

VesselFinder is a partially free OSINT tool providing users with maritime traffic data using Automatic Identification Systems (AIS).[2] This tool offers TSIIPs access to publicly available maritime traffic data on vessels within the range of satellite receivers, enhancing their research capabilities.[3] VesselFinder coverage varies by geography, reception conditions, and upstream sources.[4] Users should verify key information using other OSINT tools.


What is the name of the OSINT Tool?

VesselFinder


URL:


Who makes this tool?

Astra Paging Ltd. (Desktop version)[5]

VT Explorer Ltd. (Mobile application)[6]



What country is this tool based out of?

Bulgaria[7]


What is the purpose of the OSINT Tool?

VesselFinder is a maritime tracking platform that plots the positions of  vessels globally, providing details about vessels and their movements.[8] VesselFinder draws on AIS data, which provides information about vessels that satellite receivers detect within their range.[9] Users can query the vessel database using ship name, Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI), International Maritime Organization (IMO) number, flag, vessel type, and dimensions.[10] Results can help identify vessels and fill in missing details when working with limited information. VesselFinder also features a searchable directory of 7,000 ports and a user-contributed photo archive to help with geolocation and vessel identification.[11] VesselFinder can identify a vessel's current location, provide limited historical vessel information, and identify associated ports.


What is the reason TSIIPs should use this OSINT Tool?  

VesselFinder gives TSIIPs access to global vessel activity and information without requiring account registration. TSIIPs can use a vessel's IMO number to research its activity and history, even if its name and company details change. TSIIPs can use the ports database, searchable by country or United Nations Code for Trade and Transport Locations (LOCODE), to view details on vessels expected to arrive at specific ports. The user-contributed photo archive can support TSIIPs with geolocation efforts or by visually confirming vessel identities. Paid tiers include live map filtering and comprehensive historical information.  


How should TSIIPs use this OSINT Tool?

TSIIPs should begin in map view to investigate vessel activity in an area of interest. TSIIPs can filter by vessel type and AIS data to limit traffic shown on the map. TSIIPs should use the VesselFinder database to confirm details about a vessel of interest using existing identifying information, such as its name, MMSI, IMO, flag, vessel type, and dimensions. Once the IMO is confirmed, TSIIPs should use this identifier moving forward, because flags and vessel names will likely change over time.[12] TSIIPs should group vessels of interest into a “fleet” to clearly monitor the map, but full use of this feature requires users to register an account.[13] TSIIPs should compare information with other vessel-tracking tools such as Global Fishing Watch (GFW), because vessels may try to conceal their location.


What results will TSIIPs receive from the use of this OSINT Tool? 

VesselFinder will very likely help TSIIPs identify vessels of interest and monitor their activity by returning the following results:

  • Live position: vessel's current position, speed, status, destination, last port of call, and relevant meteorological information.

  • Vessel profile: gross tonnage, size, IMO, MMSI, flag, and name. With a paid version, TSIIPs can view ownership details and historical information.

  • Vessel photographs: user-contributed photos of vessels searchable by name, IMO, and MMSI, including details of the photographer and photograph location.

  • Port profile: expected arrivals and estimated arrival times, port descriptions, map positions, and information about nearby vessels in map view.


The free plan limits users’ access to information showing the last port of call, a fleet of 10 ships, and one day of historical information.[14]


How will this OSINT Tool help TSIIPs protect a person or organization? 

VesselFinder can provide TSIIPs with live maritime tracking data to support situational awareness of maritime activity, particularly in critical waterways and high-risk areas. TSIIPs can monitor vessel movements, identify changes or unusual activity, and track sailing paths relevant to their investigation. This tool can support TSIIPs in assessing potential security risks, identifying emerging threats, and contributing to informed security planning and risk mitigation for personnel operating in affected areas.


Instructions on using this OSINT Tool:

  1. Access VesselFinder using the link provided above.

  2. Users can view live vessel activity and navigate to an area of interest using the zoom controls in the bottom-right corner of the map.

  3. Users can select a coloured dot or arrow on the map to view live vessel activity.

  4. Using the “Vessel Filters” function, users can locate a specific type of vessel by selecting:

    1. Cargo vessels

    2. Tankers

    3. Passenger/Cruise ships

    4. Fishing ships

    5. Yachts/Sailing vessels

    6. Military

    7. Tugs

    8. Other type/Auxiliary

    9. Unknown

  5. At the top of the page, users can select “Vessels” to search for a vessel using its name, MMSI, or IMO.

  6. Users can select “Photos” to view vessel photographs and search for a vessel using its name, MMSI, or IMO, or search by photographer.

  7. Using the “Ports” tab, users can scroll through the list of available ports or search by name, LOCODE, or country.


Example of this OSINT Tool in use by a TSIIP?

Consider a scenario where authorities receive a report that illegal drugs are being transported in a shipping container on a cargo ship going to Port de Paix, Haiti, from Baracoa, Cuba. TSIIPs quickly assess the situation and coordinate with the US Navy and US Coast Guard to locate the vessel and confiscate the drugs. The procedure would be as follows:

  1. Using VesselFinder, TSIIPS narrow their search by using the “Vessel Filters” feature to display only cargo vessels on the map allowing them to identify vessels of interest in the area

  2. TSIIPs identify two cargo vessels on similar paths, select one, and open the sidebar to view the vessel’s last port of call and destination.

  3. Using the “Track” function in the sidebar, TSIIPs view the vessel’s route and see that it is scheduled to dock in Port-de-Paix, Haiti, the following day.

  4. TSIIPs coordinate with the US Navy and US Coast Guard to deploy reinforcements and prevent the vessel from reaching its destination.

  5. Once authorities stop the vessel, they board it and search each of the containers for drugs. After locating and seizing the drugs, they detain those in charge of the vessel and bring them in for questioning.

  6. TSIIPs collect and analyze all the data gathered and discover a drug trafficking ring operating out of Baracoa, Cuba. TSIIPs contact Cuban authorities and coordinate an operation to dismantle the trafficking network.


What other tools should be used with this OSINT Tool?

TSIIPs would benefit from tools such as MarineTraffic to cross-reference AIS data to verify a vessel’s location, MMSI, or docking history at previous ports. Users can find more information on MarineTraffic from the OSINT-RDT team on the CTG website.[15] A similar tool such as MyShipTracking can track real-time vessel positions and be used alongside VesselFinder to compare route and docking history. This tool can also help TSIIPs fill any information gaps to ensure all data is delivered correctly. GFW is a tool that tracks commercial fishing and human activity at sea using AIS data. TSIIPs should cross-reference information with this tool to verify and fill any information gaps when investigating an area of interest.


Are there any concerns that TSIIPs should have about using this OSINT tool?

TSIIPs should note that some features on VesselFinder require a subscription, which can limit data collection and delay real-time intelligence.[16] TSIIPs should also note that this tool should not be used for collision avoidance, safety-of-life, or emergency response decisions since AIS data may be delayed, incomplete, inaccurate, spoofed, or unavailable, affecting timely decisions that could cause harm or damage.[17] VesselFinder's AIS coverage varies by geography, reception conditions, and upstream sources. TSIIPs should consider cross-checking with other tools to deliver complete and accurate intelligence.[18] Photographs on VesselFinder  are user-contributed; TSIIPs should verify each vessel photo  to protect credibility.[19]

[1] Shipping Tracking, generated by a third party database

[3] Ibid

[4] VesselFinder Terms of Use, VesselFinder, https://www.vesselfinder.com/terms 

[5] VesselFinder, Bellingcat’s Online Investigations Toolkit, https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/vesselfinder

[6] Ibid

[8] VesselFinder, Bellingcat’s Online Investigations Toolkit, https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/vesselfinder 

[10] Vessels Database, VesselFinder, https://www.vesselfinder.com/vessels 

[11] Ports Database, VesselFinder, https://www.vesselfinder.com/povesselsrts 

[12] VesselFinder, Bellingcat’s Online Investigations Toolkit, https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/vesselfinder 

[13] Fleet Mode, VesselFinder, https://www.vesselfinder.com/ 

[16] Subscription Plans, VesselFinder, https://www.vesselfinder.com/get-premium 

[17] VesselFinder Terms of Use, VesselFinder, https://www.vesselfinder.com/terms 

[18] Ibid

[19] Ibid

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